BARNT Green Spartak boss GJ Singh has been left devastated by the news Nathan Stoute will be out for the remainder of the season through injury.
The influential striker, who can also play as a centre back, was forced off following a severe knock to the knee in the first half of Spartak’s 1-1 draw at Bloxwich Town on Saturday.
Stoute’s injury delayed the Midland League Division Two clash for more than 30 minutes and after he was released from hospital, Singh confirmed he could be unavailable until pre-season.
“Nathan is such an influential player for us,” said the Spartak boss.
“He will be a big miss because we have been trying to strengthen the squad and now we have lost him.
“There was nothing malicious, it was just an accidental tackle and his knee has swollen up to twice the size of his other one.
“He is certainly out for the remainder of the season and hopefully he will be back available to us at the start of pre-season.”
Spartak had to come from behind in the Black Country as George Crowe had given Bloxwich a 1-0 half-time lead from the penalty spot.
But Andre Tulloch’s strike after the break ensured the visitors walked away with a valuable point.
“I thought we were unlucky not to win the game as I can’t remember our goalkeeper having to make many saves,” Singh added.
“In the second half we were much the better side and had a real good go.
“We created chances but could not take them.
“Then in the last minute we of the game have been denied a stonewall penalty as our forward was dragged back and tripped over just as he was about to pull the trigger.”
After Spartak saw Wednesday night’s game against Coton Green fall foul of the whether, Singh’s men now have ten days off before their President Cup semi-final against Alvis Sporting Club on April 1.
The Lions boss said: “Having the game called off has not helped us but it’s one of those things that cannot be avoided.
“Our secretary is trying to see if a fixture can be arranged in the mean time but as it stands we have a fortnight off before our semi-final which is not ideal.
“Alvis go into the game as big favourites but I have seen many games of football where the team which is fancied gets turned over.
“We need to believe we can beat them but it is important we do not give them any soft goals.
“If you hand good sides goals you are asking for it and Alvis are too good of a side to be going ‘here’s a goal for you’.”
